Thank You to Everyone For All of Your Thoughts and Prayers

Hello, Everyone this is Elizabeth at Sue's house. The few times I posted anything in the past, I had explicit instructions right in front of me that included my password, etc.

I want to thank everyone for their very kind offers and prayers. We are all overwhelmed by the horror of the situation, but all feel truly blessed that we escaped unscathed. Some of us have talked about feeling some what guilty that we did so well when so many are suffering. I cried for a few minutes when I discovered that my house was hit by trees. I didn't care about the house or furniture, but very much pined the loss of my wedding book and photo albums. Scott was very anxious to get to the house to secure the house as best he could. We don't have much damage, but left to the elements the whole interior of the house could be damaged. I can't even relate to the poor people who lost everything. Our very good friends lost their whole house to 15 trees! They were able to get a few pictures, but that was it. I find it amazing that Robbie had no damage to the house and Katie didn't either and both are surrounded by trees. I haven't heard from Scott since yesterday morning when he was still en route to the house. Because of the gas shortage, he was travelling in a very small car with 4-5 gallon tanks inside the car. He teased me and said that he was getting high on all of the fumes. He was having to travel with the windows open because of the danger. Katie and Kevin were able to make it to my house and found Scott and Phil at work trying to clear out the trees on the house. It was discovered that we have 6 holes in the roof. Kevin was able to give Scott some tarps to cover the damage. He had not brought enough. Katie told me that Scott would be able to drive his own car out of the garage if he got busy cleaning up the trees laying acoss the driveway. I fear for Scott's safety. I hate thinking of him fooling with a chainsaw and especially hate thinking of him on top of a roof. I am not particularly worried as long as Christina doesn't get me all worked up. She is very concerned that they have not called. She thought they would come back tonight. I didn't want Scott travelling at night in the area. I am hoping to hear from them tomorrow. I thought they would be too busy to get back tonight. I will be surprised if they come back with my mama. Scott was hoping to convince her to come. We think that she is going to want to try and get home. We heard tonight that they are asking people in Kenner (where Mama lives)to stay away. Initially, they were saying that they would let people in with I.D. to get a few things, but now they don't want anyone to come. It is so hard to make any plans because we all feel that we will return home if the electricity is restored. Janine has told us that people were arrested in St. Tammany,which is where we live, for looting and that people are being car-jacked for their extra tanks of gasoline in broad daylight. Scott Clayton gave my Scott a loaded gun before he left. I feel much better that he has a way to defend himself if need be. Without a police presence, people are so vulnerable. We are all doing well here. It has been a great comfort to be here with my sisters. The children are so happy to be with their cousins. Sue has had plenty of offers of houses, bedrooms, and small apartments for us from her co-workers, but none of us are inclined to leave just yet until we know if it is long term or not. We like being together--mostly glued to the television.

My friend, my sisters, and I have laughed and compared notes on how we packed before we left. We are all ill prepared to be gone for any period of time. I packed Polina and myself and didn't give anyone else a thought. I dscovered two days after we left that Joe-Joe packed himself!! He is such a big boy! Jimmy and Mary Catherine have been such a blessing to have. They were a huge help when we left in such a hurry and continue to help out with Joe and Polina. They are such good children. I am so lucky to have them.

I also want everyone to know that I have the best family in the world. My in-laws were so gracious in welcoming us into their home. They loaned Scott a car and gave us money for the road. They have told us that we are all welcome for the duration and that they would help us in any way. My sister, Sue, has opened her home to all of us and has been absolutely wonderful! I have felt no tension or uneasiness in the house even with so many living under one roof!!